310 THE SURVIVAL OF THE UNLIKE. [XVII. 



periodic phenomena of plants, a subject which loses 

 half its force and value when considered, as it usually 

 is, without reference to the visible attending features 

 of climate ; acclimatization, or a consideration of the 

 means by which plants adapt themselves to climates 

 at first injurious ; and secondary variation of plants 

 induced by climatal environment. 



The burden of my plea is twofold : First, while 

 not discouraging the instrumental or conventional 

 study of climate, I would encourage its study in 

 terms of plant life. Second, it is essential that the 

 synchronisms of local climate and the phenomena of 

 plants be given the closest attention. 



